As I was putting up my tent yesterday in Ryan Park, just off the scenic route 130 through the Medicine Bow Mountains, a lady walked by and commented favorably on my Mustang. She said that she had had a 1968 Mustang some years ago, given to her as a graduation present. She had heard on the campground grapevine that I was from Denmark. We started talking, of course, and sat down at my camp table. Within minutes she went back to her rig and produced a bottle of wine. Meanwhile, I got out two glasses (you cannot drink wine out of a cup!). She is Leslie Poole from Colorado. On June 1, 2013, she retired after working for 29 years as a paralegal in the Colorado court system. Last year she bought her own RV and is now touring the West on her own. I got a campfire going, and we talked until late. The next morning she came back, coffe cup in hand and a big smile on her face, and we continued our talk. It had been a cold night, and she had some problems getting her heater going. Recalling a similar problem that Rita and I had, when we visited the Grand Canyon, I told her to check that the propane valve was open

! She later said that she had spoken to a lady, whose husband was a mechanic, who could fix the problem. Camps are very busy on Fridays and Saturdays, so Leslie decided to set sail and go to, probably, Seminoe State Park. It was a pleasure to meet her and talk to her, and I hope that our paths may cross again.Saturday was a beautiful sunny day, and I decided to drive to Saratoga, 30 miles away, for a decent meal. Hotel Wolf - 'since 1893' - turned out to be a lucky choice. I had a 'Wolfburger' and two glasses of New Belgium Dark Ale - everything was delicious and the setting was great. All of Saratoga (population 600) apparently come to the Wolf for Saturday lunch. Check it out at www.wolfhotel.com. Sunday morning at the campground turned out wet. For the first time during my trip there was a light rain, when I packed. I then headed back towards Saratoga and further on to Rawlins along I-80. On the way I stopped at Fort Fred Steele. It was built in 1868 to protect and defend the Transcontinental Railroad that passed through southern Wyoming. Not much remains but, as usual, there were excellent information posters that explained the lives of the soldiers, the Indian battles, production and transportation of ties from Medicine Bow down the Platte River for railroad construction. In the 1920-30s the Lincoln Highway (the nation's first transcontinental highway linking New York and San Francisco passed through here). When the Interstate highway system was established, with the I-80 being located a few miles north, the town was gradually deserted, and today only a few buildings and ruins remain.

Comments

Vi' vi ann(Vivenne NOT)
on Jul 28, 2013 at 10:47PM

I have just taken time TODAY to read through your trip blog. When I first saw "ritaluter" I was confused! so didn't really read your blog, but now I have read the WHOLE report. Very interesting, I compared your comments with my memories of trips through those areas(long ago!)
It sounds like a wonderful trip! Is it over? Did you receive a copy of the news article in the Leader-News? If not, give me an address and I can send it. POBox 345, Washburn ND 58577

Gina
on Jul 29, 2013 at 04:09AM

Looks like you're enjoying each part of your new journey. The Wolf Hotel is a wonderful place to eat as you found out. Glad you enjoyed it! I see that Lander is having trouble with Forrest fires and I hope by the time you're near there that they will be gone. I'll be curious to see how you like Martin's Cove, Independence Rock and Sweetwater if you go that way. Stay dry and warm. Happy trails'

Vi' vi ann, I have not received a copy of the article in the Leader-News but would like to see it. Can you scan it and send it to me (greger@nbi.dk)? Otherwise, I will get Rita's (new) address, and you can mail it to her. Jens. (PS. I have corrected the spelling of your first name in the distribution list.)